Running and Shopping Weekend!
This weekend flew by! Well maybe it feels that way because I had the longest run yet on Saturday. My body is still recovering but my heart is so full!
Saturday
Saturday started off with my long run! During my marathon training, I wanted to make sure to go to different trails around town. I am not a runner who really enjoys loops so I love to go on a long path and get my miles that way. Some new scenery helps the miles breeze by. This week, I took my long run to the West part of Houston. I ran and my husband rode his bike right alongside me.
The first few miles were great. The weather was nice and I really hit my stride. What has been helping me with my long runs is to think of it as multiple smaller runs. This week I was aiming for 15 so I did five 3 mile runs. I didn’t quite get the 15 but I still count it as improvement and an accomplishment.
Around mile six, my legs took over. This usually happens around an hour in. I can’t quite describe the feeling other than my legs are working and I’m just along for the ride. I didn’t really start to feel fatigue until about mile nine or ten. We were on our way back to the car and we got turned around. I panicked and just about lost it. I wanted to get back and be done. We found the shortest way back so that’s how we ended up 12.5 miles.
I’m not upset because I listened to my body and knew I was done. I was so proud of myself for getting through it. It was my first run using energy gel and it went surprisingly well. I had no GI issues and I didn’t cramp! Last year I got killer cramps around mile 11/12 so I’m sure that this fueling strategy will be successful.
The rest of the day was spent relaxing and eating delicious food. Since I’m running and working out more, I’ve had to up my daily intake. I’m usually ravenous after long runs but I try to be aware of what I eat. I usually opt for water and veggies to refuel properly. I’ll also bump up my protein soon after a long run to give my muscles a boost for recovery.
I also had some delicious ice cream to snack on!
Jordan and I caught up on our shows and college football for the rest of the evening so it was a relaxing end to our Saturday.
Sunday
Sunday morning was a relaxing morning. I had some joint pain so I opted out of running. I am really trying to listen to my body and not push it too hard considering I’ve just been cleared from physical therapy. I foam rolled and stretched before church to try to alleviate some of the joint pain.
Church was amazing and I am so glad we have a great mix of pastors on staff at our church. Our church is truly a melting pot and shows the diversity of our community. Heck, even our worship team is made up of at least a handful of nationalities. It was truly a great morning.
After lunch, we headed off to the mall. With the holiday season near, Jordan and I usually avoid malls. The one closest to us recently expanded and the traffic is bound to be wild. This was our last trip to the mall for the year.
Of course, we had to stock up at the Yankee Candle event. I love their holiday smells! I have a wax burner at home and in my office so I tend to grab these during their $1 sale. We also stopped at REI for some last minute gear. Jordan and I are addicted to this and could buy practically everything in it!
I had to get in on the Red Cup mania! I usually try to get a festive drink or two from Starbucks but I wanted to give their tea a try this time. It was really fruity and delicious! I might swing by when it gets cooler and get a Peppermint Hot Chocolate. I’m ready for a real cold front in Texas!
Overall, it was a great weekend! I’m happy with how my long run went and glad we got to make our last trip to the mall. This week I’ll be preparing to kick butt at the last of the Texas Bridge Series. I’m fully confident in my training and I’m really ready to run this half marathon!
